Emergency Dentistry is Available
To set up an appointment with one of our doctors, please call our office or communicate with us using the live chat system on our website.

Your dental health is important, and our patients' safety is our top priority. Please read through our COVID-19 Office Protocols and see our Oral Hygiene Tips

Understanding How Pool Water Can Damage Your Teeth

Posted on 7/12/2021 by Dr. Christianne Lee

Swimming in pools can be a very exciting activity, but it poses a significant amount of risk to your teeth. Swimming pools are conditioned using certain chemicals that can be harmful to your teeth. Therefore, it is important to understand the dangers of pool water and how you can avoid the damage.

The Risk of Swimming Pools

Swimming pools maintained using chlorine have extremely high pH levels that can cause tooth erosion. As much as you mostly swim with your mouth closed, a small amount of water will often find its way into your mouth. If you don't swim on a regular basis, you are unlikely to experience adverse effects. However, if you use the swimming pool several times a day, the chances of developing teeth erosion are very high. This is very likely, especially if your swimming pool has high levels of chorine. The standard pH level of pool water is supposed to be between 7.2 and 7.8. Furthermore, the chlorine levels are also required to be in low concentration. Highly acidic conditions will cause damage to your teeth and gums.

This underlines the importance of checking the acid levels of a swimming pool before using it. This information is usually provided near ladders, railings, and pool linings. Highly acidic pool water can damage the pool linings, and it will do the same to your teeth. If you notice that a swimming pool has high levels of chlorine, consider using another pool. You can purchase pH level strips that you can simply dip in water and know its acid levels to better gauge the safety of the water. If you have to use the pool, consider using protective devices like mouthguards. Such devices will reduce the contact between your teeth and pool water. As a result, the impact is reduced. Visit our offices for more information on the dangers of pool water.

Dr. Christianne Lee

5394 Walnut Ave Suite E
Irvine, California 92604-2505

(949) 656-2933

Hours

Mon
Tues
Weds
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun

9am to 6pm
9am to 6pm
9am to 6pm
9am to 6pm
9am to 6pm
By Appointment
Closed

Request Appointment
Contact Us